Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Robert P. Blackburn
  • Pichia pastoris gene sequences and methods for their use
    Patent number: 6410264
    Abstract: Regulatory nucleotide sequences for a novel Pichia pastoris gene, designated PpSEC10 gene, and the nucleotide sequences and respective amino acid sequences for the secretion leader and the mature Sec10p protein components of the precursor polypeptide encoded by this novel gene are provided. These compositions are useful in methods for expression and secretion of proteins when assembled in proper reading frame, individually or in combination, within a DNA construct that further comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein of interest. Vectors comprising the DNA constructs of the invention can be used to transform a yeast host cell, which can then be cultured to obtain the secreted protein of interest. Kits useful in this method and in methods of detection of the Sec10p protein using antibodies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Crawford, Robert Bishop
  • huBUB3 gene involved in human cancers
    Patent number: 6410312
    Abstract: Methods are provided for assessing mutations and/or loss of the huBUB3 gene in human tumors. Loss of wild-type huBUB3 genes is involved in neoplastic development. Therapeutic regimens can be planned on the basis of the mutational status of huBUB3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: Todd W. Seeley
  • Methods for producing a vector producing cell line utilizing a high multiplicity of transduction
    Patent number: 6410316
    Abstract: Retroviral vector particle producing cells are provided, wherein the cell (a) has greater than 5 stably integrated copies of a retroviral vector construct; (b) produces greater than 10 infectious recombinant retroviral vector particles per cell per day; and (c) produces replication incompetent retroviral vector particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Philip L. Sheridan, Mordechai Bodner, Nicholas J. DePolo, Sybille Sauter, Stephen M. W. Chang
  • Method for inhibiting human tumor cells
    Patent number: 6410326
    Abstract: Recombinant retroviruses carrying a vector construct capable of preventing, inhibiting, stabilizing or reversing infectious, cancerous or auto-immune diseases are disclosed. More specifically, the recombinant retroviruses of the present invention are useful for (a) stimulating a specific immune response to an antigen or a pathogenic antigen; (b) inhibiting a function of a pathogenic agent, such as a virus; and (c) inhibiting the interaction of an agent with a host cell receptor. In addition, eucaryotic cells infected with, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such a recombinant retrovirus are disclosed. Various methods for producing recombinant retroviruses having unique characteristics, and methods for producing transgenic packaging animals or insects are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Harry E. Gruber, Douglas J. Jolly, James G. Respess, Paul K. Laikind, Jack R. Barber, Daniel C. St. Louis, Sunil D. Chada, Stephen M. W. Chang, John F. Warner
  • Method for administering insulin-like growth factor to the brain
    Patent number: 6407061
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting neurologic therapeutic agents to the brain by means of the olfactory neural pathway and a pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment of brain disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Frey, II
  • Conjugates formed from heat shock proteins and oligo-or polysaccharides
    Patent number: 6403099
    Abstract: The present invention provides conjugate compounds comprising at least one heat shock protein or portion thereof including at least one immunostimulatory domain and at least one capsular oligosaccharide or polysaccharide of a pathogenic bacteria. The compound comprises oligosaccharides of the Meningococci C (MenC) group and a heat shock protein selected from M. bovis BCG GroE1-type 65 kDa hsp (hspR65), recombinant M. tuberculosis DnaK-type 70 kDa hsp (hspR70) and a heat shock protein from H. pylori. The invention also provides processes for producing conjugate compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising conjugate compounds, therapeutic compositions comprising conjugate compounds, and methods of inducing an immune response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron S.p.A.
    Inventors: Rino Rappuoli, Paolo Costantino, Stefano Viti, Francesco Norelli
  • Nucleic acid molecules encoding truncated insulin-like growth factor binding-5 proteins
    Patent number: 6391588
    Abstract: Purified compounds comprising truncated insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) capable of binding to an antibody specific for the compound or to an insulin-like growth factor wherein the truncated IGFBP has a decreased affinity for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are described. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the truncated IGFBPs are also described along with recombinant microorganisms and cell lines containing the DNA molecules and methods for producing the truncated IGFBPs using recombinant hosts containing the relevant DNA molecules. Methods for stimulating mitogenic activity and also for treating a bone disorder in mammals are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Andress, Michael C. Kiefer
  • Recombinant alphavirus-based vectors with reduced inhibition of cellular macromolecular synthesis
    Patent number: 6391632
    Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are disclosed, comprising an alphavirus nonstructural protein gene which, when operably incorporated into a recombinant alphavirus particle, eukaryotic layered vector initiation system, or RNA vector replicon, has a reduced level of vector-specific RNA synthesis, as compared to wild-type, and the same or greater level of proteins encoded by RNA transcribed from the viral junction region promoter, as is compared to a wild-type recombinant alphavirus particle. Also disclosed are RNA vector replicons, alphavirus vector constructs, and eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems which contain the above-identified nucleic acid molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Chiron Corporation, Washington University
    Inventors: Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., John M. Polo, Barbara A. Belli, Sondra Schlesinger, Sergey A. Dryga, Ilya Frolov
  • Method for the treatment of severe chronic bronchitis (bronchietasis) with an aerosolized antibiotic
    Patent number: 6387886
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the treatment of severe chronic bronchitis, i.e., bronchiectasis, using a concentrated aminoglycoside antibiotic formulation delivering the antibiotic to the lung endobronchial space, including alveoli, in an aerosol or dry powder having a mass medium diameter predominately between 1 to 5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Montgomery, William R. Baker
  • Estrogen receptor modulators
    Patent number: 6387920
    Abstract: Isoxazole estrogen receptor agonist and antagonist compounds having unexpected and surprising activity in modulating estrogen receptor activity are described. In addition, methods and compositions for treating or preventing estrogen receptor-mediated disorders are disclosed. The compounds, methods, and compositions of the invention have utility in preventing or treating estrogen receptor-mediated disorders such as osteoporosis, breast and endometrial cancers, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Verena D. Huebner, Xiaodong Lin, Ian James, Liya Chen, Manoj Desai, Jennifer C. Moore, Beata Krywult, Thayalan Navaratnam, Rajinder Singh, Rob Trainor, Liang Wang
  • Recombinant alphavirus particles
    Patent number: 6376236
    Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant alphavirus particles comprising a) an alphavirus vector construct which directs the expression of a heterologous nucleic acid molecule; b) a capsid protein; and c) an envelope glycoprotein from a virus different from said alphavirus vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., John M. Polo, Carlos E. Ibanez, David A. Driver
  • Method of stimulating osteogenesis using a c-terminally truncated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5)
    Patent number: 6369029
    Abstract: Methods for stimulating osteogenesis using C-terminally truncated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) compounds and derivatives thereof are described. The IGFBP-5 polypeptides used in the methods are mitogenic and can be combined in compositions with insulin-like growth factor (IGF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignees: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Andress, Michael C. Kiefer
  • Expression of heterologous proteins
    Patent number: 6361969
    Abstract: An expression system which provides heterologous proteins expressed by a non-native host organism but which have native-protein-like biological activity and/or structure. Disclosed are vectors, expression hosts and methods for expressing the heterologous proteins. The expression system involves co-expression of protein factor(s) which is/are capable of catalyzing disulphide bond formation and desired heterologous protein(s). The expression system is presented using yeast cells as the preferred host, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and thioredoxin (TRX) as the preferred examples of the protein factors and HCV-E2715 envelope glycoprotein and human FIGF as the preferred examples of the heterologous proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron S.p.A.
    Inventor: Cesira Galeotti
  • Nucleic acid immunization using a virus-based infection/transfection system
    Patent number: 6355247
    Abstract: A method for nucleic acid immunization which results in a cell-mediated immunological response to a selected antigen is disclosed. The method utilizes the T7 RNA infection/transfection system which provides for the controlled, transient cytoplasmic expression of a given antigen and which elicits the production of class I MHC restricted CTLs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Selby, Christopher Walker
  • Isolation and expression of DNA sequence encoding the five subunits of Bordetella pertussis toxin
    Patent number: 6350612
    Abstract: Cloning and sequencing of the Eco RI fragment of B. pertussis chromosomal DNA with 4696 base pairs, containing the genes which code for the five subunits of the pertussis toxin. A hybrid plasmid containing the DNA fragment or its further fragments and a micro-organism transformed by the hybrid plasmid and capable of expressing the cloned DNA fragment or further fragments thereof by synthesis of the pertussis toxin or one or more subunits of the pertussis toxin. The pertussis toxin or one or more subunits of the pertussis toxin so obtained are useful for the preparation of vaccines and diagnostic kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron S.p.A.
    Inventors: Rino Rappuoli, Alfredo Nicosia, Maria Beatrice Arico
  • NANBV diagnostics and vaccines
    Patent number: 6346375
    Abstract: We have discovered epitopes of the HCV viral proteins which are immunoreactive with immune serum. The epitopes are useful in immunodiagnostic assays and as immunogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: David Y. Chien
  • Method for administering fibroblast growth factor to the brain
    Patent number: 6342478
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting neurologic therapeutic agents to the brain by means of the olfactory neural pathway and a pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment of brain disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Frey, II
  • Eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems for production of recombinant proteins
    Patent number: 6342372
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for utilizing recombinant alphavirus vectors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for making and utilizing eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., John M. Polo, David A. Driver
  • Crossless retroviral vectors
    Patent number: 6333195
    Abstract: Retroviral vector constructs are described which have a 5′ LTR, a tRNA binding site, a packaging signal, one or more heterologous sequences, an origin of second strand synthesis and a 3′ LTR, wherein the vector construct lacks retroviral gag/pol or env coding sequences. In addition, gag/pol, and env expression cassettes are described wherein the expression cassettes lack a consecutive sequence of more than 8 nucleotides in common. The above-described retroviral vector constructs, gag/pol and env expression cassettes may be utilized to construct producer cell lines which preclude the formation of replication competent virus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Respess, Nicholas J. DePolo, Sunil Chada, Sybille Sauter, Mordechai Bodner, David A. Driver
  • Compositions and methods for packaging of alphavirus vectors
    Patent number: 6329201
    Abstract: Nucleic acid molecule are provided comprising a nucleic acid sequence which encodes, in order, an alphavirus capsid, a signal peptide, and an alphavirus E1 or E2 glycoprotein. Also provided are vectors encoding such nucleic acid molecules, and use of such vectors or expression cassettes to generate recombinant alphavirus particles and alphavirus packaging cell lines. In addition, modified alphavirus vector constructs are provided that permit reduced transgene expression during vector packaging, as well as methods of using such vector constructs for the production of alphavirus vector particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Polo, Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., Stephen F. Hardy, Silvia Perri